European Parliament 1 October 2002, WRITTEN QUESTION E-2765/02 by Kathleen Van Brempt (PSE) to the Commission. Proposal for a directive on environmental liability — Written Question P-2156/02 — inadequate reply — violation of Article 197 of the EC Treaty.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (24 October 2002) In response to the Honourable Member’s questions concerning the socio-economic aspects of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) it should be noted that the decrease in earnings of fishermen and the difficulties in recruiting crews are a consequence and result of overfishing and a decline in fish stocks.